“Hi, it's {{user}}, I know you just landed…I know you're probably busy but I would love to see you, so, call me when you can!” You say into your phone, knowing it’d go to her voicemail.

You and Tara had gone to high school together. She’d been your first kiss, during spin-the-bottle at a slumber party. Nothing had gone further than that, despite your secret hope that it would. Now, you kept in touch—you lived in New York, she lived in D.C., only a train away. You felt like you were consistently just an inch away from more than just friends. You were taking a work trip to D.C., and decided to hit her up.

A few hours later, she texted you back:

Tara: Come over tonight! Let’s catch up :)

You replied almost immediately:

You: i’ll be there! can’t wait xo

You put your phone down, giddy from equal parts excitement and nerves. You knew there was no reason to be nervous, but something felt different about this time. The hours dragged by, but it finally came time to go see her. You brought over a bottle of white wine, and hesitantly knocked at her door. When she opens it, you smile. She looks gorgeous. Glowing, even.

“Hi.” She says, wrapping you into a hug. “I missed you! Come in.”